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Museums around the world are joining the foundation Ocean us in an unprecedented campaign to fight climate change

Under the name “Last Call for Beauty”, Ocean us is bleaching famous paintings to raise awareness of the extinction of coral reefs in the world’s oceans.


TRIESEN, LIECHTENSTEIN – Newsaktuell – 7 August 2024 – When famous masterpieces of art lose their color, it is a catastrophic loss. A spectacular campaign by the foundation Ocean us is now making this a reality – and the most famous masterpieces in the world’s most prestigious museums are fading. From the Palace of Versailles and the Albertina Museum to the Prado, the Guggenheim, and the National Gallery of Victoria, many major museums are participating. They are raising global awareness about coral bleaching, the alarming loss of coral in the world’s oceans, and the crowdfunding campaign for the Global Coral Restoration project.

Ocean Us_Last Call for Beauty
Ocean Us_Last Call for Beauty

Without them, our world would be lifeless and gray. Colors represent vitality and are the ultimate means of expression. This is especially true in art: from Monet’s water lilies to Van Gogh’s sunflowers, the iconic masterpieces of art history would be hard to imagine without their characteristic colors.

But this is exactly what renowned museums from around the world are now showing: the joint campaign “Last Call For Beauty” of the international foundation Ocean us shows what happens when works of art gradually lose their color.

The digital process of bleaching symbolizes and draws attention to the dramatic increase in coral bleaching in the world’s oceans, which threatens to destroy this important ecosystem to the point of extinction.

Program for the restoration of coral reefs

The impressive campaign is part of the Global Coral Restoration project of the international foundation Ocean us. Together with the world’s leading marine scientists and experts from other disciplines, the global initiative has developed a concrete plan to rebuild the world’s oceans. The foundation’s first project, Global Coral Restoration, aims to reverse the projected functional extinction of coral reefs. The ambitious goal is to restore nine million square meters of damaged reefs worldwide by 2030.

Linda Neugebauer, founder of Ocean us: „An ocean without functioning coral reefs is unthinkable. They are home to a quarter of all marine species and are essential to the survival of many coastal communities. We now have the opportunity to make a huge collective effort to restore the diversity and richness of the oceans. And to ensure that our world does not continue to lose color, and with it, life.”

“Bleaching Art” is part of a series of creative actions within the “Last Call for Beauty” campaign, developed by Chema Herrera, Creative Director and Head of Marketing and Communications at Ocean us. The campaign will run until December 2024 and is supported by major international institutions and companies.

Chema Herrera, Creative Director of Ocean us, on the campaign he created: “Last Call for Beauty raises the question of how far we are willing to lose beauty. Be it in art, fashion, music, in our lives or on our planet. We all want beauty all the time, in our work, our families, and our vacations. Beauty motivates us to act. And we must act now to avoid losing one of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. The worst thing we can do is simply accept the loss of beauty in all its dimensions on our planet.”

11 of the world’s most prestigious museums are participating in this impressive campaign with their most emblematic works. These include the Albertina Museum in Vienna with Monet’s „Water Lily Pond”, the Prado in Madrid with El Greco’s famous oil „Portrait of a Nobleman with His Hand on His Chest”, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia with Tiepolo’s „Banquet of Cleopatra”. The Munch Museum in Oslo contributes the world-famous „The Scream” by expressionist painter Edvard Munch, while the Palace of Versailles has Nocret’s „The royal family in Olympus”.

“I see many commonalities between the preservation of our environment and that of artistic masterpieces. It’s a shared struggle to look after the treasures we have inherited, whether natural or created, and which allow us to live, and to live with beauty”. Christopher Leribault, President, Palace of Versailles, France

“Humankind and nature are inextricably linked: Nature and animals are among humankind’s earliest subjects; they have been a recurring, inexhaustible motif in art throughout the millennia. And just like our artistic treasures, nature is fragile and in need of special protection: let’s work together to preserve our unique treasures for future generations.” Prof. Dr. Klaus Albrecht Schröder, Director General of ALBERTINA, Vienna

„Today, more than ever, the mission of museums is to impart knowledge and encourage critical thinking. Raising awareness of issues such as sustainability is one of the priorities of the Thysen-Bornemisza Museum’s purpose, and our art collection is an excellent vehicle for developing the many initiatives we have undertaken in this regard. We are very pleased with our collaboration with the foundation Ocean us.” Evelio Acevedo Carrero, Director General, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid

“Art is a powerful tool for transformation: not only can it exert a reflection on the ongoing ecological catastrophe, but it is also a valuable instrument for modifying our perception of the link between culture and nature. In its most ephemeral manifestations, art also reminds us of the no less circumstantial character of our presence on Earth.” Andrés Duprat, Director of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina

„Tiepolo’s iconic painting focuses on the love affair between the Roman consul Mark Antony and the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. The painting recounts the tale of a famous contest whereby Cleopatra wagered she could stage a feast more lavish than the legendary excesses of Mark Antony. Tiepolo shows the dramatic moment when Cleopatra wins the wager with her trump card. Removing one her priceless pearl earrings, she dissolves it in a glass of vinegar and drinks it, causing Mark Antony to lose his bet. In the context of this campaign, we are reminded that together we are wagering the future beauty of coral reefs and other ecosystems – how could we look on passively as they dissolve before our eyes, much like Cleopatra’s precious pearl.” Ewan McEoin, Senior Curator, National Art Gallery Victoria, Australia

Global Crowdfunding Campaign to implement Global Coral Restoration

Ocean us has launched a crowdfunding initiative as part of an international campaign. The foundation’s project aims to raise a total of 40 million euros for the implementation of the Global Coral Restoration Project and has already secured commitments from major companies and institutions. The goal is to implement a concrete plan for global coral restoration on an industrial scale, to be launched later this year.

You can find out more about the Global Coral Restoration and the crowdfunding campaign here: https://oceanus.life/lastcallforbeauty

For more information on Ocean us‘ plan to rebuild the world’s oceans within one generation, see https://oceanus.life/.

“Bleaching Art” and Participating Museums and Masterpieces

Museum City/ Country Masterpieces
Albertina Museum Vienna/ Austria Monet, The Water Lily Pond
National Gallery of Victoria Melbourne/ Australia Tiepolo, The Banquet of Cleopatra
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum Madrid/ Spain Van Gogh, Les Vessenots en Auvers

Palace of Versailles Versailles/ France Nocret, The royal family in Olympus
Prado Museum Madrid/ Spain El Greco, Portrait of a Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest
Museo Reina Sofia Madrid/ Spain Juan Gris, The Open Window
Munch Museum Oslo/ Norway Munch, The Scream
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Bilbao/ Spain Koons, Tulips
Sorolla Museum Madrid/ Spain Sorolla, Walk on the Beach
The National Museum of Fine Arts Argentina Buenos Aires/ Argentina García Uriburu, Southern Utopia
High Museum of Art Atlanta/ USA Basquiat, Untitled (Cadmium)

– Picture is available at AP

Hashtag: #Oceanus

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Ocean us

Ocean us is a global foundation with the ambitious goal of rebuilding the world’s oceans within one generation to secure our sustainable future. It empowers the scientific community and society to lead this planetary repair. As evidenced by its logo, it is born out of radical hope to stop the negative spiral of reduction and set in motion the positive spiral of abundance, focusing on the depleted ocean, as this unique water system sustains all life on Earth.

Ocean us is a charitable foundation headquartered in Liechtenstein. It will also open a branch office in Washington DC (USA) this year and can also be found on the following social channels:

Facebook:

Instagram:

YouTube:

X.com:

Linkedin:

Bupa’s New Bupa Hero VHIS Plans Empower Your Health Journey

Affordable and comprehensive coverage with Asia and worldwide options tailored for Hong Kong’s young workforce and retirees


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2024 – Bupa Hong Kong, the leading health insurance specialist, is thrilled to announce the launch of the “Bupa Hero VHIS Plan (Core)” (“Hero Core”) and “Bupa Hero VHIS Plan (Core Pro)” (“Hero Core Pro”), expanding its Bupa Hero VHIS Plan portfolio, a certified Flexi Plan under the Government’s Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS). Tailored for millennials, Gen Z and retirees, the new plans provide affordable medical insurance with comprehensive and flexible coverage for individuals at various life stages.

Bupa’s new Bupa Hero VHIS Plans empower your health journey
Bupa’s new Bupa Hero VHIS Plans empower your health journey

According to the Census and Statistics Department, less than half of Hong Kong’s population is entitled to medical benefits and insurance, with one-third of this group only covered by individually purchased medical insurance. To address this gap and meet diverse health needs at different life stages, the Hero Core and Hero Core Pro offer full coverage[1] for eligible expenses from HK$5 million to HK$10 million per policy year, with low premiums and no lifetime benefit limit. Specifically designed for the young workforce and retirees in Hong Kong, these plans provide ward-level support in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand[2],[3] (Hero Core), and worldwide excluding the United States[3] (Hero Core Pro).

“The introduction of the new Hero Core and Hero Core Pro plans reaffirms Bupa’s commitment in helping people live longer, healthier, and happier lives, and making a better world,” said Yuman Chan, General Manager of Bupa insurance business in Hong Kong. “We recognise that each customer has distinct healthcare demands at the start of their careers. Our enhanced VHIS offerings are designed to support the health and wellbeing of the next generation. Bupa Hong Kong continues to leverage our extensive medical network and healthcare expertise to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions that meet evolving consumer needs.”

Since the launch of the Bupa Hero VHIS Series in 2020, Bupa members have valued its high annual benefit limit and diverse healthcare support. The new Hero Core and Hero Core Pro plans empower the young generation entering the workforce to manage their health and wellbeing with peace of mind. Additionally, these plans provide retirees with essential medical coverage, ensuring they can enjoy their golden years with confidence. With guaranteed lifelong renewal[4], the enhanced coverage includes unknown pre-existing conditions, and 24/7 mental health support[5]. Other key features and enhanced benefits of these plans include:

  • Enhanced cancer treatment benefits: A dedicated nursing team provides insured persons diagnosed with cancer support throughout their cancer treatment journey, with tailored treatment plans, fast-tracked booking, allied health and post-treatment support. Cancer treatment is covered up to the annual limit of HK$5 million per policy year for Hero Core and HK$10 million per policy year for Hero Core Pro, ensuring comprehensive support for insured persons. The deductible (if any) is waived upon a cancer diagnosis (Hero Core Pro only)[6].
  • Flexible and adaptable coverage changes: Policy holders can lower or remove their deductible or upgrade[7] the level of their plan without undergoing underwriting once they reach a specific age or experience a significant life event[7] such as marriage, childbirth, and migration, providing greater flexibility for budget planning.
  • Convenient access to diverse healthcare services: In addition to hospitalisation benefits, if the insured persons have not enrolled in Clinical Benefit coverage, Bupa Pass allows them to have access to general and specialist outpatient, traditional Chinese medicine, physiotherapy, vaccination, and health check services at privileged rates. No registration is required for Bupa insured persons to enjoy the services at designated clinic and centres[8] within Hong Kong.
  • Cashless service: Insured persons can enjoy cashless services at designated private hospitals[9] and Bupa Hero-appointed service providers[10] in Hong Kong, including diagnostic centres, specialist clinics, and more, using their Bupa Hero card. For overseas hospitalisation, insured persons can access this service by calling Bupa to make the necessary arrangements.

The Bupa Hero VHIS Plan now offers six benefit levels: Core (HK$5 million annual limit), Advance (HK$25 million annual limit) and Deluxe (HK$35 million annual limit) with Asia, Australia and New Zealand coverage; and Core Pro (HK$10 million annual limit), Advance Pro (HK$30 million annual limit) and Deluxe Pro (HK$40 million annual limit) with worldwide coverage excluding the United States. Enrol in the Bupa Hero VHIS Plan on or before 30 September 2024 to save up to 80% of the first-year premium over the first three years[11].

For more information or enquiries on the Bupa Hero VHIS Plan, please contact us at:

  1. Bupa Hero VHIS Plan website: http://www.bupa.com.hk/hero
  2. Enrolment hotline: +852 2517 5860


[1] Please refer to the Summary of Benefits for the items eligible for full cover. Full cover is only applicable to covered expenses and subject to the annual benefit limit, deductible and restricted ward class set out in the Summary of Benefits. Please refer to the Policy for details.

[2] Asia, Australia and New Zealand means Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

[3] For eligible expenses covered under the certified plan but incurred outside your chosen area of cover, benefits shall only be payable according to the VHIS Standard Plan Terms and Benefits. Please refer to the Policy for details.

[4] Bupa guarantees that your cover can be renewed every year for life, as long as you meet the requirements as stated in the renewal provisions of your policy terms and conditions.

[5] The 24-hour Mental Health Service Hotline is applicable to insured persons aged 18 or above. Insured persons aged below 18 must be accompanied by the Policy Holder or guardian to use this service. Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the Policy for details.

[6] First-dollar coverage – Deductible waived for Cancer are not applicable to Bupa Hero VHIS Plan (Core Pro, Advance, Advance Pro, Deluxe or Deluxe Pro) with zero dollar ($0) Deductible option shown in the Benefit Schedule and Bupa Hero VHIS Plan (Core) (regardless of its Deductible option).

[7] Upgrading of plan level or lowering deductible upon an important life event is exclusive to Bupa Hero VHIS Plan (Core and Core Pro). When an insured person experiences marriage, childbirth, acquisition of individual residential property, job promotion, or migration, they have the option to exercise the one-time right to lower or eliminate deductibles or upgrade their plan level without undergoing re-underwriting. Please refer to the Policy for details.

[8] The designated healthcare service provider reserves the right to amend and/or revise the listings without prior notice. For detailed terms and conditions, please refer to the Bupa Pass leaflet shown in myBupa for details.

[9] Please visit Bupa’s website (www.bupa.com.hk/hero) for the list of designated private hospitals in Hong Kong. This list is subject to change from time to time.

[10] Please log in to Bupa’s customer service portal myBupa to view the latest list of Bupa Hero appointed service providers. This list is subject to change from time to time.

[11] Terms and conditions apply for the promotional offer.

Hashtag: #Bupa #VHIS #HealthInsurance

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bupa – A health insurance specialist

Bupa is an international healthcare group dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for over 70 years. We serve more than 38 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest our profits into enhancing healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers.

Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support.

Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Dental, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit .

We Dare You to Bring Out Your Adventurous Self with “The Double Dareground” at Pacific Place!

Embark on an exciting journey filled with whimsical delights and daring adventures


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2024 – Join us at Pacific Place’s latest pop-up adventure, “The Double Dareground” , running from Today to 31 August 2024. This immersive experience will awaken the adventurous side of guests of any age, featuring interactive installations with exclusive first-in-Hong Kong collaborations, live music performances, and enticing shopping rewards in partnership with American Express. We dare you to play, create and rediscover the joy in everyday moments at “The Double Dareground”!

The Double Dareground
The Double Dareground

Embark on Daring Adventures
Drawing inspiration from childhood dares and the exhilaration of playground challenges, “The Double Dareground” welcomes you to rediscover the bliss of play and bring out your inner child in a stress-free setting full of interactive installations and delightful surprises. Here’s what to expect:

Location: The Double Dareground Pop-up (Garden Court, Level LG1)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
Campaign Website: https://bit.ly/3WiXo2A

Activation Description
I Dare You to Bust a Move – “DON’T LXXK UP Photobooth Stop by the exclusive Pacific Place x “DON’T LXXK UP” photobooth as this South Korean trending sensation makes its first-ever overseas debut in Hong Kong! Strike a pose and capture it in photos taken from a unique high angle. Shoppers can redeem a ticket to this challenge upon registration as an above member and any purchase at Pacific Place*.

*Terms and conditions apply.

I Dare You to Speak Your Heart – Lie Detector Next up, challenge your partner or friends at the lie detector inspired by the game of “Truth or Dare”. Put them in the hot seat to answer questions related to friendship, love or family. The system will determine whether they sound truthful or not!
I Dare You to Dream Out Loud – Immersive Balloon Room Dream big at this station, which offers you the chance to roam around a balloon-filled room, designed to symbolise your dreams. Surprise quotes will inspire you to follow your ambitions!

Don’t forget to press the button to create the perfect lighting for a photo op!

The Dareground Shop Discover a whimsical tuck shop brimming with playful treats at The Dareground Shop. Fluffe, an Australian fairy floss brand, has crafted a limited-edition lineup of imaginative flavours exclusively for this event, from nostalgic “Boy’s Tears” to the indulgent “Birthday Cake” and the mysterious “Cool Kids Privileges”. Grab these exclusive Fluffe collaborations to capture the energy of unfettered fun.

Upon any purchase, you will also receive a complimentary daring note consisting of a simple challenge. We dare you to do it, smiles are guaranteed!

Immersive Balloon Room
Immersive Balloon Room

Indulge in Exclusive Shopping Perks
Designated spending during the “The Double Dareground” promotion period will unlock a trove of exciting rewards, turning every visit to Pacific Place into a doubly rewarding experience. Spend with eligible American Express® Card to receive extra rewards!

Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct General Rewards* Eligible American Express Cardmember Extra Rewards#
HK$3,000 – HK$9,999 Pacific Place x
DON’T LXXK UP
Photobooth Ticket x 1
HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$50 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$10,000 – HK$34,999 HK$300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$35,000 – HK$99,999 HK$1,200 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$100,000 or above HK$1,200 Pacific Place Shopping
e-Voucher
+
100,000 above Point Rewards
(equivalent to 400 – 1,666 above Dollar. Depending on membership tier)
HK$400 Pacific Place Shopping
e-Voucher

Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near Joyce)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

*General shoppers and eligible American Express Cardmembers (“Shoppers”) are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards (“Rewards”). Same-day machine-printed sales receipts and electronic payment transaction slips issued by designated merchants of Pacific Place/ Three Pacific Place/ Starstreet Precinct must be presented at the Gift Redemption Counter (Level L2, near JOYCE) on the same day of purchase to redeem the Rewards. Each receipt must be worth HK$100 or more. Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of Rewards per day. Rewards are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

#To enjoy the American Express Offers, Cardmembers must settle the payment in full with Eligible Cards within the Promotion Period. Payment made with the US Dollar Card, American Express Business Travel Account or Corporate Purchasing Card, and Cards bearing the American Express name, brand or logo issued by partners of American Express and all American Express Cards issued outside of Hong Kong are not eligible to enjoy the American Express Offer.

Other terms and conditions apply.

Musical Performances Showcase Diverse Talent This August
Embrace a rich array of musical talent with performances taking place throughout August. From a variety of classical and contemporary instrumental music to innovative musical acts, every performance promises a memorable experience for all. Save the dates!

Date Musical Performances
10 August 2024 (Sat) Hong Kong Harp Chamber Music
11 August 2024 (Sun) Hong Kong Flute Academy
17 August 2024 (Sat) Seed Music Academy Hong Kong
18 August 2024 (Sun) Jacklyn Chan Music Academy
24 August 2024 (Sat) HK iMusic Academy
25 August 2024 (Sun) Baron School Of Music
31 August 2024 (Sat) Maestro Art Children String Orchestra

Venue: Park Court, Pacific Place Level 1 (near Shiro)
Time: 3:00 – 3:30pm

Join us this summer at Pacific Place and unleash your inner child at “The Double Dareground” – where fun knows no bounds and adventure awaits around every corner!

Hashtag: #PPTheDoubleDareground #DoubleFun #DoubleExcitement #PacificPlace

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Pacific Place

Located in the heart of Admiralty, Pacific Place is the destination for exceptional service and unique experiences. As a pioneer of innovative retail concepts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place continues to transform the retail scene by delighting visitors with an array of curated experiences through diversified offerings. Since its inception in 1988, Pacific Place has established itself as Hong Kong’s premier lifestyle hub, a mixed-use development that continues to evolve and grow as the ultimate destination to shop, dine, work, stay, relax and play. It houses one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of luxury brands and diverse dining offerings, making every visit a memorable one. In addition to being a prime transportation hub, Pacific Place is home to five Grade-A office towers, 268 serviced apartments, and four five-star hotels: The Conrad, Island Shangri-La, JW Marriott and The Upper House.

Customer enquiry hotline: (852) 2844 8988
Website: www.pacificplace.com.hk
Facebook: @Pacific Place Hong Kong
Instagram: @pacificplacehk
WeChat: @PacificPlaceHK
XiaoHongShu: @Pacific Place HK

Algerian Boxer Advances to Gold-Medal Round at Paris Olympics Amid Gender Controversy

Algerian Boxer Advances to Gold-Medal Round at Paris Olympics Amid Gender Controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif defeats Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng on 6 August at the Paris Olympics 2024 (photo credit: สำนักข่าวไทย)

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, at the center of a recent gender controversy, advanced to the women’s welterweight final at the 2024 Paris Olympics after defeating Thailand 5-0 by unanimous decision on 6 August. Khelif’s journey to the final has sparked widespread debate and controversy over her eligibility to compete in the women’s division.

The controversy

The controversy began during Khelif’s match against Italy’s Angela Carini in Paris on 1 August. The bout was abruptly halted after just 46 seconds when Carini withdrew, citing the force of Khelif’s punches. Carini was heard telling her coach, “It’s not right, it’s not right,” and later stated that she had never been hit so hard in her career. This incident led to questions about the legitimacy of Khelif’s participation, with critics pointing to her physical strength as a sign of unfair competition.

Khelif, a silver medallist at the 2022 World Championships, along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, has been under intense scrutiny by the world media. Both athletes were disqualified from the 2023 World Championship after failing gender eligibility tests but were allowed to compete in Paris. This decision led to significant backlash from conservative and anti-LGBTQ+ commentators.

The International Boxing Association’s president, Umar Kremlev, claimed that DNA tests indicated that both athletes have XY chromosomes, though these results were not made public. Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) affirmed the athletes’ eligibility to compete, citing their birth and upbringing as females.

Despite the distress caused by the controversy, Khelif remained focused on her Olympic journey, publicly sharing her hopes to secure a gold medal as a response to her critics.

Who is Imane Khelif?

Imane Khelif is a 25-year-old boxer from northwestern Algeria. She was one of the first three female Olympic boxers from her country, having first competed in Tokyo three years ago. Khelif boasts a broad amateur record, including a silver medal at the 2022 IBA World Championships, gold medals at the 2022 African Championships, the 2022 Mediterranean Championships, and the 2023 Arab Games. She currently holds a record of 43 wins and nine losses.

Savannakhet Museum to Undergo Major Renovation

Savannakhet Museum to Undergo Major Renovation
The Savannakhet Museum (photo credit: tripadvisor)

To boost tourism,  Savannakhet Province’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (DICT) has partnered with APA Incorporate, a multidisciplinary architectural and engineering consultancy firm in Laos,  to launch a major museum survey and design project to revitalize the provincial museum.

PropertyGuru Celebrates Singapore with “A Sense of Home” Campaign

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2024 – As Singapore commemorates another year of independence, PropertyGuru, a homegrown property technology company, proudly unveils the “A Sense of Home” campaign, a heartfelt tribute to our nation’s vibrant neighbourhoods and inspiring residents.

PropertyGuru's Scents of Singapore
PropertyGuru’s Scents of Singapore

Home is more than just a physical space; it’s about the people, the community, and the memories that shape us. This campaign aims to showcase Singapore by spotlighting diverse experiences and references from the communities.

Anchoring this campaign are two key initiatives: “Scents of Singapore” and “Heartland Heroes”.

Scents of Singapore: Discover the Fragrances of Singapore’s Neighbourhoods
Scents of Singapore is a heartfelt tribute to our diverse communities, each with its own unique aroma. PropertyGuru visited various neighbourhoods, where residents shared the distinctive scents that define their areas. In partnership with Oo La Lab, these memories and emotions were translated into evocative fragrances:
  • Bedok: A blend of old money charms and kampung vibes, featuring notes of metal, cedarwood, and paper.
  • Jurong: Inspired by the district’s chocolate factories, with notes of cacao, woody, and vanilla.
  • Ang Mo Kio: Reflecting its industrial character, with strong aromas of anise, tobacco, and birch tar.
  • Sengkang: Known for its park connectors, captured in a refreshing orchard floral fragrance.
  • Woodlands: Evoking the aroma of bustling bazaars, with hints of fried chicken, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
  • Yishun: Bold and energetic, combining citrusy notes of orange and bergamot with playful hints of rosemary.
  • Singapore’s Monsoon Soil: A refreshing reminder of the garden city, featuring notes of ozone, rain, and fresh leaves.
Check out PropertyGuru’s TikTok (@propertyguru) for the ‘Scents of Singapore’ street interview series to see if you agree with folks on the street! Search for these districts on PropertyGuru.com for a little surprise to find out more about the scents.

Honouring Heartland Heroes
‘Heartland Heroes’ shines a spotlight on local individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. These heroes were crowdsourced and nominated across several channels and sources; including PropertyGuru’s social media presence. Through an out-of-home (OOH) campaign across Singapore, we honour heroes like Alex, a Tampines barber with over 40 years of service, and Aunty Alice, possibly Singapore’s last female cobbler. By recognising these unsung champions, we aim to foster a deeper sense of local pride and connection.

Meet PropertyGuru’s Heartland Heroes:

  1. Ganesh Kumar, a gardener and the visionary behind Woodlands Botanic Gardens, has cultivated a green oasis, enhancing its biodiversity and community spirit.
  2. Bernard Ng, the owner of Ng Kim Lee Bakery at Beauty World, has been preserving the old-school charm of traditional Teochew pastries for the neighbourhood.
  3. Ang Kum Siong, a batik tailor in Holland Village, has been preserving traditional textiles since the 1970s.
  4. Skai, a Labradoodle, and its owner Adele bring joy to the Bukit Panjang community through Animal Assisted Intervention International.
  5. Mohammad Zaki, affectionately known as Alex by his kakis, is a barber at Scissors Plus who has served loyal customers in Tampines for over 40 years, making him a familiar face in the neighbourhood.
  6. Alicia Pulanco, a pet rescuer and feeder, dedicates her free time to rescuing and caring for Little India’s stray pets.
  7. Priscilla Ong, founder of Project Love Lunch, has been selflessly giving to the Yishun neighborhoods through her initiative.
  8. Aunty Alice, possibly Singapore’s only female cobbler, has been adding quaint charm to Tiong Bahru from her iconic hole-in-the-wall shop at Moh Guan Terrace for over 50 years.

“PropertyGuru has long been synonymous with homeownership, offering deep insights into consumer sentiments and preferences. But beyond the four walls, what truly makes a house a home? It’s the vibrant communities, the scents that evoke cherished memories, and the profound sense of belonging. This National Day, we want to honour and celebrate the rich diversity, distinctive character, and heartfelt stories that make Singapore our beloved home,” said Alex De Leon, Group Director of Consumer Marketing, PropertyGuru Group.

You can find out more about PropertyGuru’s “A Sense of Home” campaign on its social media platforms – PropertyGuru’s TikTok and Instagram (@propertyguru).

Hashtag: #PropertyGuru

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PropertyGuru Group

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 28 million property seekers to connect with over 46,000 agents monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, ; home services platform, ; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under , including , , , events and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: ;

Philips Monitors Launches Innovation Festival Campaign, Showcasing New High-Performance Monitors with AI, OLED, and Mini-LED


Philips Monitors invites consumers to “Experience a New Intelligence in Display Technology“, showcasing new monitors with advanced features such as AI, fast refresh rates, 4K/QHD resolutions, USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, and high productivity features.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2024 – Philips Monitors, a global leader in display technology, has launched the Philips Innovation Festival Campaign. Running from August 1 to September 30, 2024, the campaign features a variety of engaging activities, including partnering with gaming industry influencers and professionals to showcase the capabilities of Philips Monitors’ new monitors with AI features, OLED, Mini-LED, and more. The campaign also includes bundle sales, social media campaigns, and offline activities like sales promotions and workshops with gaming industry professionals. This has taken place across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Philips Monitors Launches Innovation Festival Campaign, Showcasing New High-Performance Monitors with AI, OLED, and Mini-LED
Philips Monitors Launches Innovation Festival Campaign, Showcasing New High-Performance Monitors with AI, OLED, and Mini-LED

One of the key highlights of the campaign is Philips Monitor’s latest monitors equipped with cutting-edge technology, including AI capabilities, high refresh rates, 4K resolution, OLED and MiniLED, and productivity-enhancing features:

Monitors with AI Features – 49B2U6903CH and 34B2U6603CH
New monitors with AI features, including the 49″ 49B2U6903CH with Dual QHD resolution and the 34″ 34B2U6603CH with WQHD resolution, introduce Philips Monitors’ first ever intelligent auto-framing webcam. Highlight AI features on this webcam include AI Zooming for automatically zooming in and out to keep people in view, hand gesture recognition for webcam control, and privacy protection through warning notifications when a person is detected. In addition, the webcam automatically wakes up or enters standby mode based on user presence detection.

Hi-Hz and Hi-Resolution OLED and Mini-LED Monitors – 32M2N8800 and 27M2N6800ML
The OLED monitor 32″ 32M2N8800 and Mini-LED monitor 27″ 27M2N6800ML provide exceptionally smooth and responsive performance for fast-paced content like gaming and action videos with fast refresh rates of 240Hz and 165Hz respectively. Both these monitors also feature 4K UHD resolution to offer lifelike details and image quality. This combination of high refresh rate and high-resolution provides users with immersive, lag-free visuals whether they are working, gaming, or consuming multimedia.

Hi-Productivity 4K Resolution and Thunderbolt 4 Monitor – 27E2F7903
The 27″ 27E2F7903 monitor maximizes productivity with 4K resolution for stunning image detail and clarity, as well as providing creators with Calman Ready for exceptional color calibration. Its Thunderbolt 4 connectivity delivers up to 96W of power for devices on a single port alongside lightning-fast data transfer speeds to streamline workflow. This combination of high-resolution visuals and advanced connectivity fulfills the demands of professionals who demand high performance and efficiency.

“From AI-powered webcams to cutting-edge display technologies such as OLED and Mini-LED, this festival represents our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the way people work, play, and engage with the digital world,” said Kevin Wu, General Manager at Philips Monitors. “We are delighted to engage our fans and customers with our latest monitors equipped with intelligent features that elevate how they interact with their screens.”

For more information about Philips’ latest display technology innovations, please visit Home – Philips Monitor (mmdinnovationhub.com).

Hashtag: #PhilipsMonitors #Innovation #AI #OLED #MiniLED

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Philips Monitors

Philips was founded as far back as 1891 in the Netherlands, and has since engaged in more than a century of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Thanks to the company developing timeless business values, Philips has become one of the most highly recognized and trusted brands in the world today. This comes from a tradition of caring about people’s needs, innovating based on ever-changing insights, and working to make a positive change in people’s lives – traditions as meaningful now as they were in the company’s beginnings.

Philips monitors stand for excellent picture quality, and providing innovative solutions to problems people really care about. To reflect this Philips commitment, Philips has created the slogan: ‘Innovation and You’. – See more at

FastLane Group Conferred the Advisory Partner of the Year for Xero Asia Awards 2024 Winner


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2024 – FastLane Group (the “Company” or “Group”), a leading accounting firm in Hong Kong trusted by renowned enterprises worldwide, has won the Advisory Partner of the Year for the prestigious Xero Asia Awards 2024. This esteemed accolade recognises accounting and bookkeeping partners who have made a transformative impact on small business clients through their unwavering commitment to cloud accounting adoption, insightful business growth strategies, engaging training programs, vibrant community events, and seamless app integrations with the powerful Xero platform.

The Group’s triumphant win underscores its excellence in guiding clients’ seamless cloud accounting transitions, offering strategic business counsel, comprehensive training, and dynamic community engagement. Leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Xero’s cloud accounting software, FastLane has consistently delivered efficient, aligned, and customer-centric bookkeeping and accounting services that cater to the dynamic needs of its diverse client base, helping them significantly streamline their operations, realise recurring revenues, improve client retention, and accomplish digital transformations.

Mr Alex So, Founder and Managing Partner of FastLane Group, stated, “FastLane’s comprehensive suite of advisory services designed to empower clients’ businesses for growth, they are underpinned by our ability to harness real-time data analysis and operational agility to anticipate and address client needs, advanced integration with cloud-based platforms like Xero to elevate performance and accelerate service delivery, resilient business practices that pervade our client offerings, and proactive investments in aligning with the AI-driven future to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. We promise to respond with tailored solutions that promote data-driven decision-making to significantly enhance our advisory capabilities and amplify the efficiency and value of our services in the years to come.”

Hashtag: #FastLaneGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About FastLane Group:

FastLane Group provides full-stack accounting services to startups, SMEs, and large corporations in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan. As a Xero Platinum partner, the Company leverages Xero’s cloud-based accounting software to provide efficient services that comply with local accounting standards. The services cover customised professional accounting services, accountancy, bookkeeping, taxation, offshore formation, company secretary, etc. It was honoured as the “Hong Kong Accounting Partner of the Year” at the Xero Asia Awards 2019 and was recognised as a Platinum Champion Partner.

For more information, please visit the official website: